“Heaven grant your majesty may not be disappointed!” rejoined Lord Derwentwater. “I will say no more. Whenever it shall please you to set out to London, I shall be ready to attend you.” “I will remain here till to-morrow, cousin,” said the prince. “On some future occasion I hope to be your guest for a longer time; but though Dilston is a charming place, and I should like to see all its beauties, it must not detain me now.” They were at the end of the avenue, but, before passing through the gateway, Lord Derwentwater said to the prince, “Your majesty had best dismount here, and get rid of the postboy.” On this the prince sprang from his horse, while the gate-porter, by the earl's directions, paid the postboy, and took the portmanteau from him. Having received a handsome gratuity for himself, the man then departed with his horses in tolerably good humour, though aware of the earl's hospitality he had hoped to be regaled in the servants' hall. “Meanwhile, Lord Derwentwater and his brother having alighted, the party walked across the great quadrangular court--the prince pausing occasionally to look around, and express his admiration. “By my faith! cousin, you have a splendid house,” he cried. “'Tis quite a palace.” “Why not take possession of it, my liege?” replied Derwentwater. “You tempt me greatly. But no! I must not be diverted from my purpose.” They then ascended the magnificent flight of stone steps, and entered a spacious hall--the door being thrown open by a butler and several other servants in the earl's rich livery. “Little did I dream, when I set forth an hour ago, whom I should bring back as my guest,” observed Lord Derwentwater. “You have often told me at Saint Germains how rejoiced you would be to see me here,” rejoined the prince; “and now you perceive I have taken you at your word. But you are very remiss, cousin--pray present your brother to me!” The presentation then took place, but without any ceremony, on account of the servants, and the prince shook hands very heartily with Charles Radclyffe. Just then, an elderly personage, with silver locks that fell over his shoulders, and wearing a priestly garb, entered the hall. It was Father Norham, who had come to see who the earl had brought with him. The good priest had a kindly and benevolent expression of countenance, and fixed his keen grey eyes inquiringly on the stranger, with whose appearance he was greatly struck. After a few moments' scrutiny he consulted Lord Derwentwater by a look, and his suspicions being confirmed, he most respectfully returned the reverence made to him by the prince. Having given some orders to the butler, Lord Derwentwater conducted his guest to the library which opened from the hall, and they were followed by Charles Rad-clyffe and the priest. Further disguise was now unnecessary, and no inquisitive observer being present, the prince was treated by all with the respect that was his due.